15 ways to better manage your time

Have you ever wondered how some people appear to have enough time in a day to do everything that they want to; whereas others often rush from task to task, never seeming to finish anything. Do they just have less to do? No, it’s more likely that they’re using their time more effectively and practicing good time management skills.

Time management isn’t that difficult a concept to grasp, but it’s surprisingly hard to do in practice. However, there are things that good time management skills can help you achieve that aren’t that difficult to master once you get the hang of it. And that’s why Daisy Hartwell and Custom Writing have put together this infographic which provides 15 tips on how to better manage your time wisely.

According to the infographic, successful time management means you need to take into account every tiny detail of your daily schedule. You also need to be aware of your habits that cause you to use your time less effectively. A good use of your time, take a look at the infographic below. Because afterwards, you’ll be able to manage your time like a pro—without having to worry whether or not you’ll have enough time to finish everything you were planning to do.

15 ways to manage your time wisely

1. Create your own daily schedule

Are you studying or working? Then your activities have the same basic format. Make your own templates as a basis for daily planning. Insert time blocks for the things that are truly important in your life: key meetings, lunches, exercise, family time—anything that can’t possibly be missed.

2. Take 30 minutes each morning to perfect your plan

Start your day wisely: by planning your day to be more effective. Use the time you usually spend browsing your smartphone at breakfast to make your schedule for the day more detailed instead. Include all of the micro-tasks that you want to accomplish.

3. Track your work

Record all of the activities that you accomplish according to your weekly plan. Yes, it steals a little bit of your time, but it also helps polish your productivity in the future.

4. Prepare for the unplanned

Don’t expect that 100% of your time will be dedicated to work. You’ll be interrupted, so plan for these breaks. For the best chance to conquer procrastination, you need to learn to spot it right away. By identifying the problem, you can find ways to overcome it.

5. Expect results from every action

Explain to yourself the results of your daily activities. Ask yourself: am I closer to my goal? Learn to see the big picture of how your smaller tasks get you to your goal.

6. Resist interruptions

Your time-saving plan will only work if you are super disciplined. Resist interruptions when you have to get work done. Limit inputs. Turn off your phone, close the door, and put a “do not disturb” sign on your door to give you a chance to concentrate on your work.

7. Make smart to-do lists

Categorize your tasks. Create groups and folders. Doing so helps you keep everything in mind and not panic about the routine. This way you’ll get more control over your workflow. If you still adore handwritten lists, try a Bullet Journal, a method of journaling and note-taking that uses bullet points as a the core structure.

8. Use time-tracking and management apps

Download an app onto your phone that will allow you to track your progress on everything. Use your desktop, tablet, and smartphone to control all of your activities using only one app. The program will sync across all devices and remind you if you’ve missed something. Examples: Todoist, Evernote, etc.

9. Prioritize and delegate

You have a bunch of tasks. Prioritize the most important and then let go of the rest. Or take a load off. Delegate things that are less important or could be done by others.

10. Learn to say “no”

You can’t imagine how this short word can simplify your life. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Saying no doesn’t have to be a bridge-burner. Be honest, state your case, and offer helpful solutions. You might be surprised, but it can actually earn you a little respect.

11. Batch similar tasks

Put related tasks together to streamline the process. For example, you can make all of the calls that you’ve planned in a single dedicated time slot.

12. Time box your tasks

Your task has a definite starting and finishing point, right? So set aside this time slot. Note for yourself how long will it take.

13. Submit work before the deadline

The best way to be on time is to be early. And that’s not only about the bus! It’s okay to finish a task a few days early—but it’s never good to exceed the time limit. By breaking down your project into smaller tasks, you can safely meet your deadline.

14. Find your motivation triggers

The key point is to stay motivated while moving through a list of tasks. If you’re working on a big project, you would need to put in a lot of time before seeing the final outcome. So instead, cross off smaller items from your essential to-do list and feel the satisfaction of being one step closer. You can also fill your diet with dopamine-boosting foods. For an extra kick, make sure you’re eating food with plenty of natural probiotics, like yogurt.

15. 80/20 rule

Stay fresh and relaxed. It’s impossible to get everything done at once. Remember that 20% of your activities produce 80% of your results.

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For the past decade I’ve been working as both a freelance and in-house Art Director / Senior Graphic Designer in the Greater Toronto Area. Collaborating with copywriters, web programmers, and marketers, I enhance client brand strategies and communicates the essence of their business through every concept.